Who controls Columbia? Sizing up Battle-Rock Bridge: Boone County high school football Week 7 preview
The second Columbia crosstown football rivalry is on deck for Friday, and it features Rock Bridge playing at Battle.
Rock Bridge remembers what happened last year, a 26-14 loss where the Spartans' defense played tough and Battle took advantage of a few Bruin mistakes.
This year, the same bragging rights are on the line. But it's for teams in two different places. This will be Rock Bridge head coach Matt Perkins' first crosstown rivalry game — his second is next week hosting Hickman — and he knows what it means for the community.
"It's exciting," Perkins said after Rock Bridge beat Lutheran St. Charles last Friday. "With all the mistakes we're making, it's a little unnerving."
Perkins has Rock Bridge at 5-1 entering Friday night. Battle is 2-4, but has the offensive firepower to keep up in a shootout.
A win would keep city-wide bragging rights in the Spartans' hands for the third straight year, as the Spartans have already beaten Hickman, and would be a massive momentum shift with districts just a few weeks out.
For Rock Bridge, it would mean claiming the Bruins' first win over the Spartans since 2018, and it would mean a new program is rising to take city-wide bragging rights. That aligns with what Perkins has seen from Rock Bridge as the season has progressed.
"Every week, we're getting a little bit better and a little bit more physical," Perkins said. "Our practice habits are getting better."
Since Rock Bridge's season-opening loss, the Bruins haven't scored less than 31 points. It's part of the high expectations Perkins has set for the program, where he said he felt the Bruins left 30 points on the field in their 42-13 win over Lutheran St. Charles.
Battle has been improving, too. The Spartans have faced injuries but have found ways to fill in for those absences. Receiver Keylan Horn broke his collarbone in Week 3, and Daqual Wright has stepped up to take on a No. 1 receiver role while other receivers like Devin Harris, Jailen Brown and Grant Hughes also have made plays.
Brown and Hughes both caught touchdowns in last week's win over Smith-Cotton.
Friday is shaping up to be a fight for bragging rights with a shootout to decide the winner.
Perkins is looking forward to seeing what the rivalry is all about.
"Battle will be a good test for us," Perkins said. "It's a crosstown rival."
Week 6 player of the week: Southern Boone WR Kellen Ash
For the fourth time in six weeks, a Southern Boone player has earned a player of the week nod.
First, it was Chase Morris. Next, it was Austin Evans. Then, it was Morris again. This week, Kellen Ash is the choice, as the two-way player recorded three catches for 128 yards and two touchdowns in Southern Boone's 42-20 win over Eldon. He also recorded an interception.
Ash is deserving of the accolade. He's been one of the better two-way players for Southern Boone alongside Morris this season, which is a reason why the Eagles are 4-2 and have eclipsed last year's win total with three weeks to play.
However, the city of Ashland deserves credit, too.
The player of the week polls have consistently been tilted in Southern Boone's favor. This isn't something that the Tribune decides; rather, we allow fans and players to vote on their own accord.
That means the city of Ashland has been consistently voting for their boys week in and week out.
Credit Southern Boone head coach Mark Ross for putting his players in the right places to make plays, credit those players for executing the game plans properly, and credit the fans for making sure their players get the recognition they deserve.
More:Rock Bridge, Southern Boone win big: Boone County football Week 6 scores and roundup
Week 7 game predictions
Rock Bridge at Battle
Welcome to your first crosstown CPS rivalry, Matt Perkins. Your test is stopping Battle quarterback Justin Goolsby and his myriad of weapons. This game might come down to whichever offense blinks first, or which defense can force the first turnover.
The Pick: Rock Bridge
Hickman at Grain Valley
The Kewpies are looking for a road upset against a 4-2 Eagles team that's undefeated at home. Hickman's offense has been finding some momentum as of late. However, the defense has a chance to prove it's not what the stats say on paper.
The Pick: Grain Valley
More:How Cole Harrell embodies the heart of Hickman football despite tough loss
Father Tolton at Hogan Prep (Saturday)
Hogan beat down Tolton last season in a game that was never in doubt. That was then. This is now, where the 'Blazers are 5-1 and have a rising star quarterback to pair with talented skill players in Cameron Lee and James Lee.
The Pick: Father Tolton
Southern Boone at Hallsville
The hunters have become the hunted, as Hallsville sits at 3-3 while Southern Boone is now 4-2. This Tri-County Conference game should determine how far the Eagles have come under Mark Ross, or how Hallsville still remains top dog.
The Pick: Hallsville
Highland at Centralia
Centralia returns home for a lighter challenge before closing the season with a gauntlet. The Panthers welcome 1-5 Highland and should be able to take care of business behind their home crowd.
The Pick: Centralia
Westran at Harrisburg
Last season, Harrisburg head coach Steve Hopkins described the impending matchup with Westran as a "slobber knocker" of a game. The Bulldogs won that game 44-14 on the road. At home, Harrisburg has the upper hand and is looking to shake off a disappointing loss.
The Pick: Harrisburg
This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Columbia-area high school football, Battle-Rock Bridge predictions
